Redknapp: I'd sign Drogba but can't compete with Chinese cash

"He is strong and almost unplayable when he is really at it," says Spurs boss

Didier Drogba reacts during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona

Harry Redknapp wants to sign Chelsea striker Didier Drogba on a free transfer this summer but admits the finances could scupper any potential deal.

At 34 years old, many thought Drogba was past it, but he has provided his critics with a timely reminder of his talents over the past few days.

The Ivory Coast frontman belted a stunning volley past Carlo Cudicini to help Chelsea cruise past Spurs into the FA Cup final last weekend and then hit the winner in the first leg of the Blues' Champions League semi-final against Barcelona three days later.

Drogba could leave Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to agree a contract extension. And, although Redknapp is interested, he expects the former Marseille man to be tempted to China, where he is being courted by mega-rich Shanghai Shenhua, who are managed by Drogba's former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

Redknapp said: "He is a free but I was just reading in the paper about him going to China.

"It seems the money in China at the moment is incredible. Players can go there and make a fortune.

"He would be a great player for Chelsea to keep or for somebody else to take. Anyone would be interested but you would have to be able to afford his wages. That is going to be the key. If he is on a free you are going to have to pay him a fortune.

"But he is a powerhouse when he is on his game. He is strong and almost unplayable when he is really at it.

"It was an amazing goal he scored against us. He smashed it from an angle.

"His strength in holding (Spurs defender William) Gallas off and then hitting the ball from where he did, there aren't too many players who could have done that."